: I believe the promoters of that event were specific in presenting vendors of
: products sold in the local retail paddling shops. Wood boats and kits
: aren't a direct part of that market. My impression is that most retail
: shops feel a sense of competition with this small segment of the market.
: Go figure.

There are a bunch of folks out there (I guess I'm their spokesman) who are way too cheap to buy the overpriced commercial stuff. They're not going to buy the commercial stuff anyway.

There are also people who are willing to buy commercial gear, but are unaware that they can build their own. My guess is it's these folks that the big outfitters are actually losing business to.

: "hey honey, I just built this kayak, maybe I'll make my own paddle,
: sprayskirt, footpegs, jacket, helmet, tow belt, pump, floatbags, drybag,
: compass, AND teach myself how to roll" ...uh oh,,Shawn Baker, it's
: all your fault, you are the ANTI-CONSUMER feared by all!

Yeah, gotta get a tow belt made before my ICE next weekend. My IDW last weekend wore me out! (and on a side note, I got poor votes for my "clean deck". It looks great to wood boat guys, but got poor marks from the 'serious kayakers'). I'll be adding some sturdy decklines this winter....

: I wonder what the sales of Pungos are compared to all the wood kayaks out
: there?

An analogy could be made with Lunds or Bayliners vs. Rivas. No comparison!!

I'm going to try to take a very active role in the Flathead Paddlefest this coming spring. After all the horror stories I recounted after this past one in May, I think I can make a difference. We'll see if the powers-that-be will relinquish some of their retail bloodlust in favor of some safe paddling emphasis time.

shawn